PRINCIPAL FINALISTS STATE CASE TO PUBLIC.

Byline: Jesse Hiestand Daily News Staff Writer

The four finalists for the job of Chatsworth High School principal met with parents, students and residents Thursday evening to pitch their skills and tout their track records on the eve of the final selection.

Before a crowd of about 60 in the school's library, the candidates politely complimented each other's qualifications and generally shared their competitors' views on topics raised by audience members. The process is part of the LEARN reform program, which transfers decision-making power from the district's central offices to campuses.

All four candidates said schools need to offer more occupational classes for students who do not plan to go to college.

Where they could, the candidates sought to differentiate themselves by experience and goals.

Dan Wyatt, assistant principal at Sylmar High School and a Chatsworth resident for 25 years, highlighted his work developing budgets and disciplinary programs and working as a head counselor.

``I'm familiar with the great strength of the school and community, and also their needs,'' Wyatt said.

Greg Lee, Chatsworth High's assistant principal, said he wants to raise the bar academically for all students, not just those who excel on a regular basis.

``Our average students' performance is somewhat stagnant,'' Lee said. ``We know we need to do much more in the way of staff development and meeting the needs of students.''

Jim Gwin, assistant principal at Granada Hills High School, said high schools must concentrate on weaknesses in reading and algebra, while ensuring students' safety on campus.

``(Students) need to have a basic foundation in math, science and English to complete in the technological age,'' he said.

John McLaughlin, assistant principal at Mount Gleason Middle School in Sunland, said he is up to the challenge of leading the 3,200 students and 200 staff members.

``I love kids of all ages and they like me,'' McLaughlin said. ``I work well with adults and parents, and know your concerns.''

Chatsworth was one of the first high schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District to begin hiring its own principal, teachers and staff under LEARN. The school's previous principal, Fran Ramirez, was promoted in July to lead the Van Nuys/Grant cluster of schools, said acting Principal Sharon Smith.

From 19 applicants, the list of candidates was narrowed to four by a six-member committee representing interested parties including students, teachers, administrators and union officials.

The committee plans to make its final selection today and then submit that candidate's name to the 20-member School Leadership Council next week for ratification. The new principal should start work a week or two after that, Smith said.